The Dialectic of Master-Slave in Large Groups and Organisations

This paper arises from an in-depth research study of the dynamics of three large groups. The research explores the experience of group members through an intersubjective conceptual framework. Analysis shows relations in the large groups to be characterised by dominance and submission resulting in sub optimal individual and group functioning. Parallels are explored between the research findings and an organisation example set in a large welfare agency. The exploration suggests similarities between the two settings thus enabling understanding of the organisation's system arrangements through intersubjective concepts.